Your September Compliance Update |
| This month: Permissibility checks ~ Loans ~ Conference ~ AGMs |
 August PPERA Return The August donation report is due by 10th September (including nil returns). If you haven’t submitted your report yet, please do this urgently. If the treasurer is away, it falls on the chairperson to submit the return. Please make sure you’ve clicked the final “submit” button to complete the return.
Donation queries: Lighthouse help: | |
 Permissibility checks and regular / well-known donors There have been some recent issues where permissibility checks were not carried out on reportable donations.
Regardless of whether the donor is a party officer / sitting councillor / regular donor, please do not assume they are on the Electoral Register or that the Electoral Number is the same as before.
Each and every time you get a donation of £500 and above, you must check for the Electoral Number covering the date the donation was received.
Anyone can drop off of the Electoral Register momentarily for various reasons. Donations received during that time would be forfeit plus a possible fine imposed by the Electoral Commission if wrongly accepted.
As you're making a legal statement when submitting returns, please take the time to check donations, so as to protect yourself and the Party.
The same applies for other kinds of donors like unincorporated associations (e.g. trusts / clubs). Even if you have already been receiving funds from a historic trust or club, you need to be able to demonstrate their permissibility with each and every donation. This is something we have had a number of enquiries about from the Electoral Commission this year.
For further guidance on donations, kindly refer to the following: | | | | Please email compliance@libdems.org.uk if you have any questions. | |
Loans | | As with donations and gifts in kind, loans too are subject to reporting rules and permissibility checks.
Please read our guide below on how to record loans, overdrafts and repayments. | | | |
Compliance Training at Conference |
| The Compliance Team will be running the following sessions: |
SAT 19/9 | | 10.30 - 11.30
Data Protection Essentials: Keeping on the Right Side of the Law
Practical guidance on lawful processing, keeping data secure, maintaining compliance to help volunteers manage personal data with confidence.
Brighton Centre, Meeting Rm 1A
15.15 - 16.15
Treasurer Essentials: Becoming Confident in Your Role
Essential guidance to help Treasurers confidently navigate their role, share practical tips for success and bust some myths.
Brighton Centre, Meeting Rm 1A
16.30 - 17.30
Numbers Matter: Annual Accounts, Tax & Tactics for Treasurers
A practical session covering year-end accounts best practice, updates on HMRC tax enquiries, and other Treasurer conundrums.
Brighton Centre, Meeting Rm 1A | |
SUN 20/9 | | 09:15 - 10:15
Agent in Charge: Navigating the Campaign from Nominations to Expenses Returns
An essential introduction to the vital role of an Election Agent and why every candidate needs one.
Brighton Centre, Meeting Rm 1C
10.30 - 11.30
Campaigning with Confidence: Compliance Basics for Everyone
From getting your candidate onto the ballot, understanding campaign finance and data protection, an essential guide to the basics every activist should know.
Brighton Centre, Meeting Rm 1C | |
MON 21/9 | | 15.15 - 16.15
Think Before You Print (or Post)! Navigating Libel and Defamation Law
Practical guidance on understanding defamation and libel risks, protecting your campaign and avoiding legal pitfalls.
DoubleTree by Hilton, Edinburgh Room
16.30 - 17.30
Meeting with the Electoral Commission
The Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission is holding a session where you can ask questions or have your say on how they work.
DoubleTree by Hilton, Edinburgh Room | |
TUE 22/9 | | 9.30 - 10.30
Campaigning with Confidence: Compliance Basics for Everyone
From getting your candidate onto the ballot, understanding campaign finance, and data protection, an essential guide to the basics every activist should know.
Brighton Centre, Meeting Rm 1B | |
| Register for Conference and check out the directory / agenda here.
We look forward to seeing you in person! |
 AGMs Not only is AGM season fast approaching; some local parties will also have boundary changes on the agenda.
Please refer to our guides below on how to keep compliant whilst running successful events: | | | |
 | Your Resources |
 | Simon Drage
Deputy Head of Technology and Compliance
Liberal Democrats | | |
| |
